THE BROAD PURPOSE OF THIS PROJECT WAS TO SYSTEMATIZE INFORMATION ABOUT INDEPENDENT STUDY IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS BY DEVELOPMENT OF A DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF THESE PRACTICES IN THE SCHOOLS STUDIED. THIS INFORMATION WAS COMPILED BY THE USE OF QUESTIONNAIRES AND VISITS TO EACH OF 317 SECONDARY SCHOOLS BY RESEARCH TEAMS. ONE OF THE FIRST CONCLUSIONS…

The tradition of independent study is traced from classical antiquity to the 20th century. Particular attention is given to the example of such persons as Descartes, Rousseau, Goethe, and Franklin, and to the role of encyclopedias, libraries, and correspondence study in furthering self-education. Nine references are included. (LY)

Adult self-directed learning is considered a process of self-instruction. This concept is inadequate because it fails to account for persistence in learning and excludes adults unable to plan self-instruction. These inadequacies can be addressed by studying self-directed learning as it relates to the learner's personality. (Author/CH)

Examined relationship between attitudes of older adults and their participation in education-related activities. Results indicated that self-directed learning participation was correlated with one's affirmation of self and its accomplishments, sense of satisfaction and pleasure, and high level of enthusiasm and ego involvement in activities.…

Self-instruction can work exceptionally well. But accountability is the key. With carefully planning and administration, the self-study concept can offer limitless growth for the training function with no heavy demands on personnel, training facilities, or the organization's budget. (JOW)

Teachers should design individual project ideas to provide creative motivations for creatively gifted students in regular school classrooms. Examples of project ideas are cited in three case studies. (CL)

Guidelines are offered to help teachers improve the task commitment of young gifted children as they work on independent projects. Among suggestions offered are to work with small groups of students and to foster the child's ability to work at levels beyond those normally thought possible. (CL)

This paper describes current phases of two research projects: a completed one in southern Appalachia and another one to begin in North Dakota. The paper explains that the Appalachian project investigated the effects the widespread stereotype of Appalachian illiteracy has had on Appalachian literacy learners; while the North Dakota study is going…

Correspondence education is a tested, flexible, and viable addition to the training and development arsenal of learning tools. Although a comparatively recent development in the professions, properly integrated within the training plan, correspondence study supports any trainer's effort and closes most fundamental learning gaps. (Author/DS)

An elementary school librarian shows why human beings of all ages experience intellectual growth most effectively through learner-centered modes of study. (Author)

The focus of this study is to determine how well the individual can function when he selects self-instructional courses which are job relevant, and then is told to proceed on his own, with little or no specific interest shown in his activity by the formal organization." (Author)

Reviews the need for independent study in science and suggests that independent study should be used in combination with other modes of instruction. Gradually increasing independent study seems more effective than beginning all at once. Considers the role of the teacher, classroom environment, computerized instruction, and includes suggestions for…

A method for helping students to learn something meaningful among the plethora of modern knowledge is explicated. (CK)

Sullins College (Virginia) has introduced a 4-week term scheduled between two regular semesters. This short term provides opportunities for student participation in independent study and voluntary research projects. (JO)